Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8483, Thomas Fletcher, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Fletcher, Thomas
S. 8483
CONTENTS
carded

23.232 North Carolina
Thomas Fletcher — Wilkes — in the State of North Carolina who was a Private — in the — commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by Col. Peyton in the Virginia — line for 10 months — 8 — increase $24 —
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 55 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Decr 30 — and Supt D. T. Patterson Wilkesboro, N.C.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 133.32 Semisant. allowance ending Feb 34 26.66 d. Mar. 18. 1835 $159.98
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nath. Rice — Clerk Book 6 Vol. 6 1/2 Page 54
Sect. H. & L. Williams H.R. March 19 1834 Lit. Pension age 37 May - 1834 -

18,589
Rev d Thomas Fletcher Wilkes co N.C.
Rev
Rev d M c L ee Purvis - In 10 & 12 mo. This copy seems objectionable Wm. ff 53.33
5. apl 30. '33 - Sp: let: P 361
27 Sept S. F. Patterson Wilkesboro' N.C.

BRIEF in the case of  Rev. Thomas Fletcher  of Wilkes co in the State of N. Carolina  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 3. How old is he? 70 4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Volunteer In 1778 5 or more As a Gen. Col. John Peyton   do. 1779 5 do Col. Thomas Nelson   do. 1780 From 10 to 12 mths Col. Dennis & Col. John Page   1781 From 6 to 7 do.   11  
5. In what battles was he engaged? Siege of Yorktown 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Gloucester co Virginia 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Perfect
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. G. Bradford. Examining Clerk.

State of North Carolina } County of Wilkes } p.
On this 29 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of The County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, now sitting The Rev d Thomas Fletcher, a resident of the said County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he was born on the 3 rd day of February 1762 in Ware Parish in the County of Gloucester & State of Virginia, from the Church Book of which Parish, he obtained the registry of his age which is now on record in his family bible - He lived in the said County until he was sixteen years of age, when he was put upon the muster roll of a company of Militia commanded by Capt James Beatty, and some time in the summer of 1778, was ordered out by command of Col o John Peyton as one of a detach- ment to guard the magazine at Gloucester Court House - The guard was placed under command of a Sergeant Singleton, and remained on duty at that place until the commencement of the ensuing winter, a period of five months or more, when they were relieved and returned home - Some time in the following year, (1779) a British Ship called the Little Belt made her appearance in the Road off the mouth of York River, when an immediate call was made for the Militia - This deponent again turned out and marched under the command of Maj r Powell to the mouth of York River where they were stationed a con- siderable time, and until the ship disappeared - when the militia were discharged - In a short time after his return home, this deponent was again called upon

together with a considerable portion of Capt. Bently's company, and was placed under the command of Lieut. Stubbs, and stationed at Gloucester Town for the purpose of guarding the Ferry Boats and Military Stores, as at that time the negroes were very troublesome in consequence of the great number who were running away, stealing Ferry & other Boats, plundering provisions &c &c and making their escape to the British - In these two last tours of duty, this deponent believes he served as much as five months or more.
In the Spring of the year 1780 the Coast of Virginia was very much infested with armed by British Troops, and great danger was to be apprehended from an invasion being undertaken for the subduing and forcing the great government which was in power by the British in the Capes. Breannay, Sherard and others called to their aid, the Virginia Troops, Ferry Boats & c and made their escape to their vessels. Consequently it became necessary to keep a guard constantly stationed at the principal Harbors, and at all the Military Stores. The department accordingly, in the Spring of that year was reorganized and placed under the command of Major General Adams who was stationed at Gloucester Town to guard the Boats and Military Stores and to prevent the enemy from entering the Capes. He was constantly on the watch for the enemy's approach off the Coast of Virginia with a portion of the British Army, and indeed was surrounded from three to four miles, when he took up a position of the City and fortified it with a strong picket of every kind of arms. He was constantly on the alert and discovered that the British had advanced

after leaving Dover, the troops which remained at Philadelphia from some reason turned immediately to Red Bank and there, where they found themselves in a very strong position of fortification. However, upon hearing they were in the direction of Red Bank, and understanding that Genl. Howe had sent to the river from that place, they found themselves in a very strong position of fortification from Red Bank to Red Bank, and from Red Bank to Red Bank - after receiving orders to move a few days they moved to Red Bank, where they found themselves in a very strong position of fortification, where they found themselves in a very strong position of fortification during the time of the British movement - Very soon after the return of Capt. Beatty, company home, the command was transferred to Capt. M c Anderson, and shortly thereafter this deponent was called out with others of the company under the com- =mand of Capt. Anderson, and stationed at Fox's Ferry on York River to guard it - They remained at the said Ferry until the arrival of Lord Cornwallis at York Town, when they were marched off to Whitings Mills where they joined the regiment under command of Col. John Page - Soon after joining Col. Page's regiment, a propo- =sition was made for volunteers to march down upon the British lines with a view of reconnoitering - a consid- =erable number turned out, under Majr. Wm. Page among whom this deponent was one - before however they had accomplished their object, they heard of the arrival of the Northern army under Genl. Washington at or near Williamsburg - when orders were immediately given for a small detachment to be detailed for the purpose of collecting beef for the use of the army - This deponent with others was detailed for that purpose and placed under the command of a Sergeant White - After reconnoitering the country for some time and collecting a considerable number of cattle, they

drove them to Genl. Washingtons army near Williamsburg, & after delivering them up, they returned and rejoined the portion of the army they had left, at Hubbards old field - In a short time they marched to Ware Church, where the volunteers before mentioned under command of Majr. Webb, was transferred to the main Army, among whom this deponent was one - And in a very short time they marched down to York Town, where they were stationed in Seawells Old field under the superior command of some French Officers, whose names are not recollected - (The Colonels with whom this deponent was acquainted were Colo. Ewing & Colo. John Page) Here they remained until after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis in the latter part of October 1781 - Soon after this event this deponent was discharged and returned home - having served in this last campaign from six to seven months - The capture of Lord Cornwallis being considered as a cessation of hostilities, this deponent was not again called upon to perform any other service) [This deponent desires it to be remembered that as he was but sixteen years old at the time he entered the service, and as his knowledge of the affairs of the world, and of his own country was limited, and moreover, as so great a length of time has elapsed since his services were performed, he does not pretend that he has a perfect recollection of the length of time embraced in each term of service which he has set forth, but he feels confident in the belief that the aggregate services performed by him will amount to a period of two years or upwards] - This deponent continued to reside in the County of Gloucester from the close of the revolutionary war until the year 1799, when he became a travelling preacher of the Methodist Connexion, and continued as such until the year 1802, when he settled in Wilkes County North Carolina, where he has lived ever since, and where he now lives - He has no distinct recollection

How or by what authority he was called into service, but he believes that the Gloucester Militia were at all times held in readiness for service - as that County was situated very near the coast of Virginia, and constantly exposed to the depredations of the British Fleet, he presumes that nothing more was required, than the issuing of an order by the proper authority, to call into service all the militia of the County - He has no discharges or documentary evidence of any kind to prove his service nor does he recollect of ever having received a written discharge - He knows of no person living whose testimony he could procure, who could testify to his service, but refers to the Rev d James Vannoy & Benj n F. Martin Esquire as persons to whom he is well known in his neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
Sworn to & subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Test J
Martin B. W. B. B.
Thomas Fletcher
We James Vannoy a clergyman, residing in the County of Wilkes State of North Carolina, and Benj n F. Martin residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the Rev d Thomas Fletcher, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age - that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion -
(Over)

Sworn to and subscribed, The day & year aforesaid Test of Martin L. W. C. C. James Vannoy Bry. S. Martin
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states - And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that James Vannoy who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, and that Bryn S. Martin Esq. who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County of Wilkes & State aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
P. Darnell, Chair
I Robert Martin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Fletcher for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 30 th day of October - 1832
R Martin L. W. C. C.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
1. F. 8483
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Fletcher a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1778 armed at Pvt. James Bently John Peyton Va.   various times " Major Boswell   2 years " Lieut. Stubbs   as " M. Anderson John Page  
Battles engaged in, Siege of Yorktown Residence of soldier at enlistment, Gloucester Co. Va. Date of application for pension, Oct. 29 1832 His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, Wilkes County, N.C. Age at date of application, born July 3, 1762, in Ware Parish, Gloucester Co. Va. { died Mch. 18, 1835. (from Agency book) Remarks: _____
In 1799 he became a Travelling Methodist preacher and continued as such until 1802 when he settled in Wilkes Co. N.C. There is no other data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1919 May 14 Hist. to Mrs. M. J. Norris
Revtran
8483 INVALID.
File No. 8483.
Thomas Fletcher
Rev Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 122 , Page 127
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev. A. Sher. Fletcher -
McKinley n e Dec
Free Hono - Lewis Williams Washington City
Rev. A. Sher. Fletcher -
Mail

Dear Sir: Milksboro - February 6 th - 1834.
I have just been in company with Mr. Dogge all well - I have just Read - a paper from you - Reflecting Money Matters - I thank you - and for other information We have had a hard Winter - Nothing immaterial - I have just - Read - D. Fickitt - as a petition - $53-35 - I was a boy sixteen years old - Caldin Service - I was four Summers & one Winter - in Service - living near York Town - and on the war path - gambling the Magazine - and Fugues Boats - and a long campaign after Col O'Arnel - and in the whole campaign after Lord Cornwallis at York Town - I stated in my petition for as I mean Two years or more - which I think was far below my service - my paper was sent back twice. first for the Reason the precise time of my service

was not stated - I then stated Two years - it was then objected - my services as a guard at the Fugitive Slave - an magazine - was Self Defense - I knew all was self Defense - we were fighting for liberty and self - the Honorable Board - allowed me $53-35 - I think it hard. Two years or more - or Two years - at least - is my just claim. My citizenship - was required - I think I stand as fair as a justice of the peace. and a preacher of the gospel. for a great number of years - as most in Wilkes - your Honour will converse with the officers you can tell them who came - you can see my claim at the war office you will read it - and judge whether I am claim to pay -

Pray Sir pardon an old Man If I am troublesome — Every man wants his Right — any Information you can give me — by mail I am thank- =full — I must confess — am I am passive in any Dispute — the Honorable Board of war may make — I am your old Friend —
Hon d S r Williams
{ (S r James) } STEERS
Thos. Fletcher

Washington March 6 th 1834
Sir.
The Rev. Thomas Fletcher of Wilkes having North Carolina was allowed $531.95 cents as the pension to which he was entitled under the act of 1832. He has removed two years since and asks for a reconsideration of his case - I know Mr Fletcher well and can attest to the goodness of his character - He has been a preacher of the gospel for many years and no one could be or would be more fully credited in his statements - I hope you will reexamine his case and make him further allowance, for he is entitled to it I firmly believe -
I am Sir your most obedient Servant.
Levi Williams
James L Edwards Esqr.

Washington March 12 th 1834
Sir In relation to the claim of the Revd Thomas Fletcher for an increase of pension I must take the liberty to remark that the term you exclude from the time for which his allowance is to be made relates to the guarding of "military stores" — He was called out by military authority; left his home, and was stationed near Gloucester Town (I think) guarding military stores — Now if this be not military service I confess I don't know what is — He was under the command of military officers; not civil — He was guarding military stores, that is public property for the use and service of the army, and not civil or private property — Indeed it seems to me he was as much in the military service as if he had been pushing bayonets with the enemy — If he had deserted would he not have been tried by the military authority and not by the civil? Certainly he would — This part of itself should fix and

determine the character of the service - Besides the ships of war of the enemy were at that time lying near our shores and in our waters - But none than any thing else in favor of my construction is that Mr. Fletcher has sworn that he was in the service - He has been a preacher of the gospel for forty or fifty years; supposed as good a character as any man, and if it had not been known and understood at the time that he was in the military service , he never would have sworn it - He at this day cannot so well determine the character and nature of the service as the people who were engaged in performing service, and that Mr. Fletcher was understood to be in the military service at that  time is abundantly proved by his own oath - But the facts stated by him also prove it beyond doubt that the service was military - I hope under these circumstances the addition of pay will be granted - I am your obedt Servt
James L Edmondson Esqr -
Levi Williams

adm o

Washington May 1 st . 1834.
Sir.
Some time ago the case of the Revd Thomas Fletcher was before you for increase of pension - You decided that you would  must allow him for eight months service in addition to what was before allowed, but stated you must have the original certificate before a new one could be issued - I wrote to Mr Fletcher for the original certificate, and this morning I recd it - I hope you will allow to the business as soon as possible and make a new certificate for the 8 additional months - The 8 additional months ought I suppose to go back to the year 1831 -
Your obed Hble Servt.
Lewis Williams
James L Edmades Esqr

Inner Loring Williams
James L Edmonds Esq. Pension office Washington
John Williams Hm.
Mr. Loring Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 10 p. 10
Hm. Williams March 6 1834

Payments to be made at Fayetteville— by the Fr. W. S. Br. Bank— Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of C. H. La—
Admitted, as a private 2 yrs—$80.—
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 10/2 Page 54 by C. Rice Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Thomas Fletcher of the state of North Carolina — who was a private in the war of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Fifty-Three — dollars and thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 9 th day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
Lee
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edvans
Commissioner of Pensions.

Rev. Thomas Fletcher
18589
S. F. Patterson
Wilkesboro
N.C.

State of North Carolina Wilkes County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, the Rev. Thomas Fletcher who, being duly sworn, deponeth & saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: "For two years, I served as a private"; and for such service I claim a pension -
Sworn to and subscribed this 1 st day of June 1833 before me -
James Fletcher
J. W. B. Crysel J.P.
I Robert Martin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina, hereby certify that John B. Crysel Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, is, and was at the time of subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace for said County - and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is, his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 1 st day of June 1833 -
R. Martin clk by B. W. Cope S.H.W.

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Wilkes County } November Term 1833.
Personally appeared in open court, before the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County & State aforesaid the Rev. Thomas Fletcher, who, after being duly sworn according to law, deponeth & saith that the within declara- -tion, as amended by striking out the claim therein mention- -ed for ten or twelve months services performed in the year 1780, is just & true
Sworn to in open court this 5 th day of November 1833. }
Thomas Fletcher
R. Martin Wk.

Recd. 1919 E. Edenton St Raleigh N.C. April 30/19
Will Pension Beaurain Kindly give me the data connected with Thomas Fletcher who had Pension after the Revolutionary War - in North Carolina Private.
Yours truly oblig.
Wm M. F. Norris